Sidhu for diversification of tourism in Goa

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2009-01-27
PANAJI- The Governor, Dr Shivinder Singh Sidhu has said that it was high time that the state took concrete measures to diversify Goa’s tourism from a uni-dimensional beach-oriented tourism to other equally attractive and economically viable areas, as tourism development occupied a key element in the state’s economy.
Addressing the gathering at the state-level Republic Day celebrations at Parade Ground at Campal on Monday, Dr Sidhu said that there was tremendous scope for promoting eco-tourism, adventure tourism, leisure tourism, heritage tourism and hinterland tourism in Goa even as he added that tourism in Goa has so far been largely focused on beach tourism.
He complimented the state authorities for implementing beach safety management scheme Goa, the first state in the country to implement such a professional beach safety scheme.  He expressed happiness at the Central government’s decision to expand and up-grade the Dabolim airport, work on which was likely to start shortly.
The Governor called upon people of Goa to rededicate themselves to strengthen the sinews of democracy, secularism and communal harmony in beautiful state of Goa. He said that through collective endeavour and resolve, Goans could make the state and the country great.
The Governor congratulated the Atomic Energy Commission Chairman, Dr Anil Kakodkar on being conferred Padmavibhushan and educationist Mr Suresh G Amonkar on being conferred Padmashree. He also congratulated the IGP, Mr Kishan Kumar and SP, Mr Omprakash Kurtarkar on being conferred Presidents Police Medal for meritorious services on the eve of Republic Day Parade.
Referring to the recent terror attacks in Mumbai, he said the people of the country have displayed tremendous unity and courage to stand up to thwart the evil designs of the dark forces of terror and violence.
“Peace and tranquility have always remained the pre-requisite for development and progress,” he said.
Dr Sidhu said that Goa was richly endowed with all the attributes to be a leading state of the country. “Blessed with rich natural and human resources, coupled with an ideal environment nurtured by the literate and enlightened citizens, Goa can really look to the future with hope and confidence,” he said.
He went on to add that at times, divisive forces and anti-social elements were raising their ugly head in some parts of the country in the name of religion, caste and creed. “Against this backdrop, it is high time that we, the citizens of this great country, forget about our differences on petty issues and stand firmly together to fight against the evil forces which are out to disturb the unity and social fabric of the nation,” he said further.
The Governor appreciated the efforts of all security personnel, including the Navy, the Coast Guard, the Goa police, the Central Industrial Security Force, and others.
These establishments maintained utmost vigil and preparedness in the state and ensured the safety and security of the people and the tourists during the festival season. He appealed them to continue being fully prepared; ever vigilant and actively conscious of their own responsibilities in order to prevent untoward incidents by anti-national forces in our peaceful and beautiful state.
Stating that Goa has made tremendous progress in almost all fields of human endeavour, though it joined the national mainstream a decade after India became a republic, he said that Goa’s peaceful integration in the Indian Union is a testimony to the ultimate triumph of the people’s will over foreign domination.
Dr Sidhu paid tributes to the memory of illustrious leaders and valiant freedom fighters who struggled, suffered and sacrificed their lives and livelihood for the supreme cause of India’s freedom from the centuries’ old colonial rule. He said that 59 years ago the people of India solemnly resolved to become a sovereign, socialist, secular democratic republic and to secure to all its citizens, justice, liberty and equality on this day, thereby making ourselves the masters of our own destiny and that country has made tremendous progress. He observed that India was among the top countries as far as development was concerned.
Earlier the Governor unfurled the national flag and inspected the parade and took the salute from 22 contingents drawn from the Indian Army, the Navy, the Goa police, the NCC, and various schools.
The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, Ms Asha Kamat, the Speaker, Mr Pratapsing Rane, the Bal Bhavan chairperson, Ms Vijayadevi Rane, the Health Minister, Mr Vishwajit Rane, the Education Minister, Mr Atanasio Monserrate, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Mauvin Godinho, MPs Mr Shantaram Naik, Mr Shripad Naik and Mr Francisco Sardinha, MLAs, the Chief Secretary, Mr J P Singh, the DGP, Mr B S Brar, the mayor of Panaji, Mr Tony Rodrigues, freedom fighters, citizens and a large number of students were present on the occasion.
The students of Bal Bhavan, Sanjay School and various other schools from Panaji and surrounding area presented a cultural programme.